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Cheryl pulls out of Birmingham Pride performance as she mourns Sarah Harding

Cheryl has announced to fans that she will not be performing at Birmingham Pride this weekend, as she is still processing the death of former bandmate Sarah Harding.

The former Girls Aloud singer was due to be headliner act at the event but has pulled out after the death of Sarah who tragically lost her battle with breast cancer aged 39 on September 6.

Mother-of-one Cheryl, 38, announced that she would not be at the event on her Instagram Stories on Friday as she told fans she is: “not emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform” whilst grieving her friend.



Sarah Harding and Cheryl of Girls Aloud

The Fight for This Love pop singer apologised to her loyal followers and said that she hopes to “make it up” to them in the future before adding that she needs time to “process the grief.”

“Saying goodbye to somebody you spent such a massive piece of your life with is like nothing else,” she penned.

The chart-topper continued: “My heart is heavy. Grief is such a harsh experience and an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.
Questions without answers and pain without resolve.

“So tumultuous and constant. With that said I am so sorry but I really am not emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform for you at this Birmingham Pride.”

Cheryl added: “I apologise wholeheartedly and I can only hope for your understanding (I promise I will make it up to you somehow).

“I feel now I just need some time to sit with my feelings and process the grief. Nothing prepares you for this bit.”

Earlier this month, Geordie singer Cheryl followed her bandmates in posting moving words about Sarah, who Cheryl described as “stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft hearted”.

Taking to Instagram to remember the star, Cheryl wrote: “Although we knew this day would arrive I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft hearted girl has departed.

“As I try to navigate my way through these painfully strange and horribly unfamiliar waves of disbelief & finality I am experiencing, I wanted to extend my condolences to all of our GA fans.

“We were like an extended family for so long and we know so many of you by name. I wanted to make sure you knew just how much your love and continued support meant to Sarah through her most vulnerable times.

“She was so grateful and you really lifted her spirits when she needed you most. I also realise so many will be deeply affected by the circumstances of Sarah’s passing… I am sending you all so much love. I love you Sarah… farewell.

“Sarah Nicole Harding forever in our hearts,” she added.

The passing of Sarah was announced in a tender message that was posted on her Instagram account by her mum Marie.

She wrote alongside a black and white photo of Sarah: “It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.

“Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. She slipped away peacefully this morning. I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year.”

She added Sarah’s final wish was to be remembered not for her terrible disease but just as she was.



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Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts and Cheryl

She wrote: “It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved. I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead.”

Cheryl and Sarah found fame in Girls Aloud alongside Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and Nadine Coyle.

The group formed as part of TV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 but after years of in fighting over work schedules and different personal lives the group split for good in 2013.

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Cheryl has since gone solo and most recently made a comeback on stage by performing at The Mighty Hoopla festival in London on September 4.



Cheryl pulls out of Birmingham Pride performance as she mourns Sarah Harding
Cheryl pulls out of Birmingham Pride performance as she mourns Sarah Harding

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